Michele Khouli is the Growth & Outreach Liaison at UP Health System – Marquette.

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?
I am the Growth & Outreach Liaison at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
In 1990, my Aunt Mary was in need of a kidney transplant and my father donated one of his kidneys to extend her life. Witnessing this selfless act made a deep and lasting impression on me. Although I am not a clinical staff member, I am still humbled and inspired by those who directly impact the lives of patients and their families.

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
My Vice President at Duke LifePoint has referred to my role as a “swiss army knife” of skills. The purpose of my role is to work with referring sources from across the Upper Peninsula and to collect and address any obstacles that are occurring between the referring facility and UP Health System – Marquette. Throughout my travels across the Upper Peninsula, I work to understand the healthcare dynamics taking place in our service area.

One day, I may be working to implement growth and market share initiatives from Duke LifePoint or UP Health System, and on another day I might be working with a service line director to understand an obstacle occurring for a referring hospital or clinic. Each week I report to our CEO, Gar Atchison, and provide a debriefing of action items that have been gathered from the field.

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I have been at UP Health System – Marquette for almost 5 years, and my role and job title slightly changed with the merge with Duke LifePoint. Prior to working in Marquette, I was a System Director of Development for 4 hospitals in St. Paul, Minnesota.

What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
The healthcare market in the Upper Peninsula continues to evolve and change along with the rest of the country. I’ve learned to adjust to the times and avoid resisting needed change.

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
I cherish the time I am able to spend with my husband and two small children taking in the everchanging views of Lake Superior, and I feel lucky that I live minutes away from some of the most amazing outdoor trails in the country.

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
I appreciate working with our dedicated staff, who show up for work each day with the core purpose of providing the best care possible to serve their neighbors throughout the Upper Peninsula.